Expression of classical mediators in hearts of rats with hepatic dysfunction.

Liver cirrhosis is associated with impairment of cardiovascular function including alterations of the heart innervation, humoral and nervous dysregulation, changes in systemic circulation and electrophysiological abnormalities. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), enzyme forming acetylcholine, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine-ß-hydroxylase (DBH), enzymes participating in noradrenaline synthesis, are responsible for the production of classical neurotransmitters, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is produced by cardiomyocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of experimentally induced hepatic dysfunction on the expression of proANP, ChAT, TH, and DBH in the heart. Hepatic dysfunction was induced by application of thioacetamide (TAA) or by ligation of bile duct. Biochemical parameters of hepatic injury and levels of peroxidation in the liver and heart were measured. Liver enzymes measured in the plasma were significantly elevated. Cardiac level of peroxidation was increased in operated but not TAA group animals. In the left atrium of operated rats, the expression of TH and DBH was lower, while expression of ChAT remained unchanged. In TAA group, no significant differences in the expression of the genes compared to controls were observed. Liver injury induced by ligation leads to an imbalance in the intracardiac innervation, which might impair nervous control of the heart.

Effect of chromium (VI) exposure on antioxidant defense status and trace element homeostasis in acute experiment in rat.

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds is of concern in many Cr-related industries and their surrounding environment. Cr(VI) is a proven toxin and carcinogen. The Cr(VI) compounds are easily absorbed, can diffuse across cell membranes, and have strong oxidative potential. Despite intensive studies of Cr(VI) pro-oxidative effects, limited data exist on the influence of Cr(VI) on selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-important components of antioxidant defense system. This study investigates the effect of Cr(VI) exposure on antioxidant defense status, with focus on these selenoenzymes, and on trace element homeostasis in an acute experiment in rat. Male Wistar rats (130-140g) were assigned to two groups of 8 animals: I. control; and II. Cr(VI) treated. The animals in Cr(VI) group were administered a single dose of K2Cr2O7 (20 mg /kg, intraperitoneally (ip)). The control group received saline solution. After 24 h, the animals were sacrificed and the liver and kidneys were examined for lipid peroxidation (LP; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration), the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of GPx-1, TrxR-1, and glutathione reductase (GR). Samples of tissues were also used to estimate Cr accumulation and alterations in zinc, copper, and iron levels. The acute Cr(VI) exposure caused an increase in both hepatic and renal LP (by 70%, p < 0.01 and by 15%, p < 0.05, respectively), increased hepatic GSH level and GPx-1 activity, and decreased renal GPx-1 activity. The activity of GR was not changed. A significant inhibitory effect of Cr(VI) was found on TrxR-1 activity in both the liver and the kidneys. The ability of Cr(VI) to cause TrxR inhibition could contribute to its cytotoxic effects. Further investigation of oxidative responses in different in vivo models may enable the development of strategies to protect against Cr(VI) oxidative damage.

Differential influences of various arsenic compounds on antioxidant defense system in liver and kidney of rats.

In this study, oxidative stress-related parameters and As retention were examined in liver and kidneys of male Wistar rats exposed to arsenic trioxide, sodium arsenite (iAsIII), sodium arsenate (iAsV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAsV) at a single ip dose of 3.8 mgAs/kgbw, at 24h post-exposure. In liver, lipid peroxidation increased in iAsIII-exposed rats, glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in inorganic arsenic (iAs)-exposed rats, and catalase and thioredoxin reductase activities decreased significantly in all As-exposed groups. Both As(III) and As(V) exposure elevated GSH level with no effect on glutathione reductase activity. In kidneys, catalase activity decreased significantly in iAs-exposed, rats; GSH level, glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase activity decreased in DMAsV-treated, rats. The tissue As retention was higher in kidneys compared to liver and was also higher in As(III)-exposed compared to As(V)-exposed rats. The results demonstrate similar potency of inorganic As(III) and As(V) compounds to inhibit/induce antioxidant defense system, with liver being more vulnerable to acute As(III)- and As(V)-induced oxidative stress.

The effect of the oral iron chelator deferiprone on the liver damage induced by tamoxifen in female rats.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a non-steroidal antiestrogen used in the treatment and prevention of hormone-dependent breast cancer. Tamoxifen therapy may be accompanied with hepatic injury and iron accumulation in this organ. The present study investigates the influence of the effective oral iron chelator, deferiprone (L1), in TAM-induced acute liver injury. Four groups of female Wistar rats were used: I, control; II, TAM; III, TAM+L1; IV, L1. Tamoxifen (75 mg/kg) was administered orally on the first and second day; L1 (50 mg/kg) was administered orally on the first, second and third day of the experiment. On the fourth day, parameters of oxidative state: lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were estimated in liver homogenates. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) levels and iron hepatic content were also evaluated. The TAM-induced oxidative damage was demonstrated by increased LP (52% above controls) and decreased GPx activity (to 92% of controls). The protective effect of L1 was manifested by attenuation of LP (p <0.05) and preserving of GPx activity. The TAM-induced increase of serum ALT and AST activity remained unchanged by L1 treatment. Significant increase of hepatic iron (Fe) level (41% above controls) was found in TAM-treated rats. Hepatic Fe accumulation was completely prevented by L1 treatment.

The effect of iron(III) on the activity of selenoenzymes and oxidative damage in the liver of rats. Interaction with natural antioxidants and deferiprone.

Iron is an essential element which, under certain conditions, can have prooxidant and cancerogenic effects. The effect of iron and iron chelators on the activity of selenoenzymes has been studied. Acute experiments in male Wistar rats demonstrated the prooxidant effect of iron on the selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These enzymes represent an important part of the antioxidant defense system. Deferiprone (L1) has been shown to abolish the stimulating effect of iron on lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and also to inhibit the influence of iron on the activity of TrxR and GPx. Similarly, the flavonoid quercetin abolished the influence of iron on the activity of TrxR. The activity of both selenoenzymes has also been shown to be stimulated using L1, naringin (NAR), quercetin (QUE) and myricetin (MYR) in the absence of iron. Further studies including the combination of synthetic and natural compounds (e.g., flavonoids) are being considered for their possible development and clinical use in antioxidant therapies.

Protective effect of manganese in cadmium-induced hepatic oxidative damage, changes in cadmium distribution and trace elements level in mice.

Oxidative tissue damage is considered an early sign of cadmium (Cd) toxicity and has been linked with carcinogenesis. Manganese(II)-at low doses, was found to act as a potent antioxidant against oxidative stress in different in vitro systems producing lipid peroxidation conditions. The present study investigates in vivo antioxidant effects of Mn(2+) pretreatment in acute Cd intoxication with regard to lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense system and cadmium distribution in the tissues of mice. Four groups of male mice (n=7-8) were used: Cd group was injected sc a single dose of CdCl(2) · 2½ H(2)O · (7 mg/kg b.w.); Cd+Mn group was treated ip with MnCl(2) · 4H(2)O (20 mg/kg b.w.) 24 hours before Cd intoxication; Mn group received manganese treatment only; Control group received saline only. Twenty-four hours after Cd intoxication an increased lipid peroxidation (p<0.05), depleted GSH level (p<0.01), increased activity of GSH-Px (p<0.05) and inhibited CAT activity (p<0.01) were found in Cd-treated group compared to controls. Manganese(II) pre-treatment either completely prevented (LP, GSH, GSH-Px) or significantly attenuated (CAT) these changes. Manganese(II) treatment alone decreased LP, enhanced hepatic GSH level and had no effect on antioxidant enzymes compared to control group. A significant increase of Cd concentration in the liver and decreased Cd concentration in the kidneys and testes were found in Cd+Mn treated mice compared to Cd-only treated group. The effect of manganese may result from a different metallothionein induction in particular organs. Manganese(II) pretreatment attenuated the interference of cadmium with Ca homeostasis, the alteration in Zn and Cu levels remained mostly unaffected.

Trace elements status in selenium-deficient rats--interaction with cadmium.

Although the metabolic and toxicological interactions between essential element selenium (Se) and toxic element cadmium (Cd) have been reported for a long time, the experimental studies explored mostly acute, high-dose interactions. Limited data are available regarding the effects of Se-deficiency on toxicokinetics of cadmium, as well as on the levels of key trace elements--copper, zinc, and iron. In the present study, male and female Wistar weanling rats (n = 40/41) were fed either Se-deficient or Se-adequate diet (<0.06 or 0.14 mg Se per kilogram diet, respectively) for 12 weeks, and from week 9 were drinking water containing 0 or 50 mg Cd/l as cadmium chloride. At the end of the 12-week period, trace element concentrations were estimated by AAS. Selenium-deficient rats of both genders showed significantly lower accumulation of cadmium in the liver, compared to Se-adequate rats. Zinc and iron hepatic levels were not affected by Se-deficiency. However, a significant elevation of copper was found in the liver of Se-deficient rats of both genders. Cadmium supplementation increased zinc and decreased iron hepatic level, regardless of Se status and decreased copper concentration in Se-adequate rats. Se-deficiency was also found to influence the effectiveness of cadmium mobilization in male rats.

Effects of selenium and tellurium on the activity of selenoenzymes glutathione peroxidase and type I iodothyronine deiodinase, trace element thyroid level, and thyroid hormone status in rats.

Tellurium (Te) and selenium (Se) belong chemically to the VIa group of elements. Se represents an essential element closely related to thyroid function. Te has growing application in industrial processes. Little is known about the Te biological activity, particularly with respect to potential chemical interactions with Se-containing components in the organism. In this study, female Wistar rats (body weight: 115-120 g) received sodium selenite pentahydrate (10 mg/L) or sodium tellurite (9.4 mg/L) in drinking water for 6 wk. Additional groups of rats received their combination with zinc sulfate heptahydrate (515 mg/L). The stimulation of 5'-DI-I activity due to selenite (to 158%, p<0.01) or tellurite treatment (to 197%, p<0.01) was seen; however, no effect on glutathione peroxidase was demonstrated in this experiment. An elevation of T4, T3, and rT3 serum levels was measured in the Se+Te-treated group; T4 and rT3 levels were elevated in the Te+Zn-treated group. Te accumulates in the thyroid gland and influences the zinc thyroid level. Te treatment alone and in combination with Se or Zn decreased the iodine thyroid concentration to 65-70% of the control value. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature and effects of these events.

Comparative study of natural antioxidants - curcumin, resveratrol and melatonin - in cadmium-induced oxidative damage in mice.

The present study was designed to examine the antioxidative effect of curcumin, resveratrol and melatonin pre-treatment on cadmium-induced oxidative damage and cadmium distribution in an experimental model in mice. Male CD mice were treated once daily for 3 days with curcumin (50mg/kg b.w., p.o.), resveratrol (20mg/kg b.w., p.o.) or melatonin (12mg/kg, p.o.), dispersed in 0.5% methylcellulose. One hour after the last dose of antioxidants cadmium chloride was administered (7mg/kg b.w., s.c.) to pre-treated animals and control animals receiving methylcellulose. At 24th h after Cd administration the lipid peroxidation (LP - expressed as malondialdehyde production), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated in liver homogenates. Cadmium concentration was measured in the liver, kidneys, testes and brain by AAS. Cadmium chloride administration to mice induced hepatic lipid peroxidation (to 133%, p<0.001), decreased GSH content (to 65%, p<0.001) and inhibited catalase (to 68%, p<0.001) and GPx activity (to 60%, p<0.001) in the liver. Curcumin, resveratrol and melatonin oral pre-treatment completely prevented the Cd-induced lipid peroxidation and Cd-induced inhibition of GPx hepatic activity. Resveratrol was effective against Cd-induced inhibition of catalase activity (p<0.001). The decrease in hepatic GSH level was not prevented by curcumin, resveratrol or melatonin pre-treatment. In mice treated with antioxidants alone the level of LP, GSH, GPx or CAT was not different from control levels. The pre-treatment with antioxidants did not affect cadmium distribution in the tissues of Cd-intoxicated mice. The results demonstrate that curcumin, resveratrol and melatonin pre-treatment effectively protect against cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation and ameliorate the adverse effect of cadmium on antioxidant status without any reduction in tissue Cd burden.

The influence of curcumin and manganese complex of curcumin on cadmium-induced oxidative damage and trace elements status in tissues of mice.

Curcumin (diferuoyl methane) from turmeric is a well-known biologically active compound. It has been shown to ameliorate oxidative stress and it is considered to be a potent cancer chemopreventive agent. In our previous study the antioxidative effects of curcumin in cadmium exposed animals were demonstrated. Also manganese exerts protective effects in experimental cadmium intoxication. The present study examined the ability of the manganese complex of curcumin (Mn-curcumin) and curcumin to protect against oxidative damage and changes in trace element status in cadmium-intoxicated male mice. Curcumin or Mn-curcumin were administered at equimolar doses (0.14 mmol/kg b.w.) for 3 days, by gastric gavages, dispersed in methylcellulose. One hour after the last dose of antioxidants, cadmium chloride (33 micromol/kg) was administered subcutaneously. Both curcumin and Mn-curcumin prevented the increase of hepatic lipid peroxidation -- expressed as MDA level, induced by cadmium intoxication and attenuated the Cd-induced decrease of hepatic GSH level. No change in hepatic glutathione peroxidase or catalase activities was found in Cd-exposed mice. A decreased GSH-Px activity was measured in curcumin and Mn-curcumin alone treated mice. Neither curcumin nor Mn-curcumin treatment influenced cadmium distribution in the tissues and did not correct the changes in the balance of essential elements caused by Cd-treatment. The treatment with Mn-curcumin increased the Fe and Mn content in the kidneys of both control and Cd-treated mice and Fe and Cu content in the brain of control mice. In conclusion, regarding the antioxidative action, introducing manganese into the curcumin molecule does not potentiate the studied effects of curcumin.

Effect of long-term administration of arsenic (III) and bromine with and without selenium and iodine supplementation on the element level in the thyroid of rat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of arsenic and bromine exposure with or without iodine and selenium supplementation on the element level in the thyroid of rats. Four major groups of Wistar female rats were fed with respective diets: group A - standard diet, group B - iodine rich diet (10 mg I/kg food), group C - selenium rich diet (1 mg Se/kg) and group D - iodine and selenium rich diet (as in group B and C). Each group was divided into four subgroups per 7 animals each receiving either NaAsO(2) ip (6.5 mg.kg(-1) twice a week for two weeks and 3.25 mg.kg(-1) for six weeks) or KBr in drinking water (58.8 mg.l(-1)) for 8 weeks or combined administration of both substances. Remaining subgroup served as controls. After 8 weeks thyroid glands were analyzed by ICP-MS for As, Br, Se, and I content. The exposition of rat to arsenic or bromine causes the accumulation of these elements in the thyroid gland ( approximately 18 ppm of As, approximately 90 ppm of Br) and significantly affects iodine and selenium concentration in the thyroid. In iodine and/or selenium supplemented rats the bromine intake into the thyroid was lowered to approximately 50% of the level in unsupplemented animals. Also selenium thyroid level elevated due to KBr administration was lowered by iodine supplementation in the diet. The accumulation of arsenic in the thyroid was not influenced by selenium or iodine supplementation; however, As(III) administration increased iodine thyroid level and suppressed selenium thyroid level in selenium or iodine supplemented group of animals.

The effect of curcumin on cadmium-induced oxidative damage and trace elements level in the liver of rats and mice.

The present study was designed to investigate in acute animal experiments the effects of oral curcumin pre-treatment (50 mg/kg body weight per day for 3 days) on liver oxidative damage and trace element changes caused by cadmium chloride administration (0.025 mmol/kg to rats and 0.03 mmol/kg to mice, s.c., 1h after the last curcumin treatment). In rats, the level of Cd-induced lipid peroxidation (320% of controls) was significantly lowered by curcumin pre-treatment (165% of controls), and was accompanied by significant increase of glutathione (GSH) level in both Cd-treated and Cd plus curcumin-treated group. In mice, the Cd-induced lipid peroxidation (125% of controls) was abolished by curcumin treatment. Concurrently, a depletion of GSH was found in the liver of both Cd-treated (67% of controls) and Cd plus curcumin-treated mice (54% of controls). Curcumin treatment did not change cadmium (Cd) distribution and did not cause systematic alterations in trace element status.

The influence of deferiprone (L1) and deferoxamine on iron and essential element tissue level and parameters of oxidative status in dietary iron-loaded mice.

The seven week feeding of a diet enriched with 0.5% TMH-ferrocene to male mice was used in this study to produce an iron-overload model in experimental animals for evaluating the effect of deferoxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (L1) on tissue-stored iron, induced lipid peroxidation (LP) and parameters of oxidative status. The iron concentration in the liver reached 600% of the level in control animals. The administration of seven doses of deferoxamine (DFO) i.p. and deferiprone (L1) p.o. (0.72 mmol/kg b.w., every 48 h) during 9th and 10th week significantly decreased the liver, kidneys and heart iron level in both iron-loaded and control mice. The DFO and L1 treatment also equally attenuated lipid peroxidation and increased the GSH level in the liver of iron loaded mice. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and catalase activity were not affected by iron loading, however, both DFO and L1 caused a decrease of GSH-Px activity.